10/09/2026
Sometimes I get asked if I'm worried about AI taking the creative jobs from photographers; and my answer is always, "No, I'm not worried."
Because here's the thing...
It's all over the news that parents are snapping a quick photo of their kids and creating a background to replace school photos. Sit your children down for a second, and suddenly you can make it look as though they were in an apple orchard. While you're at it, you might as well create a scene of yourself at a mountain resort too. And honestly, the sky is the limit. What's the purpose of a photographer, location, outfit choices, and graphic designers if you can create it all with the click of a mouse button?
But here's the other side to that quick-fix scenario...
When you and your child see that photo, you'll remember the moment you pulled out your phone and took a quick photo of them sitting on the kitchen floor.
There's no memory of the anticipation of driving to a photoshoot... The smell of the grass or the sound of crinkly leaves and laughter as the kids run around chasing each other. There are no giggles, warm hugs, and the occasional bribery from the mama trying to get everyone to sit still for that one perfect "posed" photo. That mental snapshot of a moment when you took the time to dress up nice and go to a beautiful location for photos is nonexistent.
All AI can do is create an image that is fake.
At last night's photoshoot, one of the smallest members of the family I was photographing set up his precious Foxy; and I let him help take a picture. Amidst the busy of running around happily with his family, cheesy grins, and sitting in a field surrounded by Autumn leaves, he got the biggest smile on his face when he was allowed to push a button on my camera. And I think he'll remember that for a long time... and maybe even associate that with the feeling of happiness every time he sees these photos.
So yeah, I'm not worried.
Because I'd like to see AI try to replace that! ☺️